wouldn't give 2 shits. But I think most folks take what happens directly with Russia more seriously than the proxy bullshit in Syria. Putin has his dick beaters into all sorts of things but a direct attack on Ukraine is a very bold and big step. Your points about China are also very interesting in so many ways.

Sanctions won't do shit but it's a gesture that we support Ukraine, even if it's a token thing. Propaganda on the other hand, could be a very good weapon to wield. We could really demonize Putin and put a spotlight on him. I don't think most Americans give a shit as you say but if soccer moms start seeing some carnage, especially with all the Black Sea region mail order brides around these parts now, that could be a PR nightmare. And I'm not just talking about our citizens but citizens of Europe.

As much as some on the right and left talk a big game about a 2nd civil war, nobody in their right mind wants war. The Middle East is already fucked and has been for so long that the cares are pretty zeroed on that. But a war in Europe? Even in backwater Europe? Even a small one brings some terrible memories and history back to a lot of folks. Lest we forget that WWI was started by a series of small disagreements and by various treaties that bound countries to aggression upon the act of aggression.